The Paradise Will

by Elizabeth Hanbury

  The effect upon Piers of this small, almost childlike gesture was profound. He had been subjected to lachrymose young women in the past, usually when they attempted to gain their way by insincere weeping, but without effect. However, the sight of Letty’s silent tears, that prosaic little sniff and the way her lip quivered as she made the admission about her parents, pierced his soul and he cursed himself bitterly.

  ‘Good God, forgive me Miss Ravenhill. You must think me an unfeeling brute. But I-I did not know about your parents, or if I did, I have forgotten, which is inexcusable.’ He crouched beside her chair, taking her hands between his and saying firmly, ‘Your parents were older than Alyssa. She will recover, I’m certain of it – especially with such an agreeable nurse. Indeed, if I were ill I should happily keep to my bed for months just for the pleasure of looking up into your face!’

  She gave a watery chuckle, amusement shimmering through her remaining tears. ‘You are the most complete flatterer!’

  ‘Certainly!’ he said affably, with a grin. ‘Now, that is better – you are smiling. When do you have to return to Alyssa?’

  ‘Not for another hour.’

  ‘Then stroll with me in the garden; it is a beautiful morning and you need the fresh air. You may tell me while we walk how my cousin does.’ Raising her hand to his lips, he pulled her gently to her feet and drew her arm within his.

  ‘Yes, Mr Kilworth,’ she replied, demurely.

  He peered at her with a wry, quizzical look. ‘Deuce take it, I’m wary when you are compliant,’ he said, laughing. ‘You must be severe again.’

  ‘Very well, I suppose it will not do to be too conciliatory.’ Letty’s eyes twinkled at him as they walked outside.

  On his return home, Gil organized fruit from his succession houses and personally selected items from the garden that Alyssa might find pleasing when her fever abated.

  This completed, he went to his study and wrote to his sister. After sealing the note with a wafer, he began to look over some business papers, staying valiantly at his task until he realized he was achieving little, then thrust the papers impatiently to one side. Looking out over the lawns to the gardens beyond, Gil fell into a brown study, staring into middle distance. The turmoil in his mind was nothing to the turmoil in his heart, but there was nothing he could do until Alyssa was well again. And she must get well – he could not consider any other outcome.

  He dare not broach the subject of his feelings with Caroline until he could give the conversation his full attention and that was impossible with Alyssa gravely ill. Caroline needed to hear his decision in unequivocal terms, as did his friend the squire. But while Gil’s torment at delaying his discussion with Caroline was acute, his anguish over the future was greater and his heart seemed to turn over painfully in his chest at the thought of Alyssa marrying Charles Brook. There was, however, one issue which could be dealt with now. In Caroline’s opinion, he spent too much time at Hawkscote. Well, his patience with her incessant meddling was exhausted. Caroline’s true character had been revealed: she was unfeeling, arrogant, and presumed too much – it was time he put an end to her interference.

  He journeyed to Frampton Manor that afternoon, his mood bullish.

  The squire received him warmly. ‘Giles, always a pleasure to see you! We can escape the attentions of ladies for a while if you will take a glass of my new claret,’ he said, conspiratorially.

  ‘Thank you, but no, Henry. I am here only to impart news and to speak briefly with Caroline.’

  ‘Oh? You seem sombre today. What’s to do?’ said the squire, squinting intently at Gil’s set features.

  ‘Miss Paradise is very ill. She has scarlet fever.’

  ‘Scarlet fever, you say? Poor child! Has the doctor been summoned?’

  ‘He has attended her several times but she continues in a high fever. I came to advise Caroline, and you and Mrs Nash.’

  ‘Very proper of you. Well, I’m sorry to hear of the young lady being laid low. I hope she recovers quickly as Miss Paradise and her ward are invited to our summer party.’ He shook his head and grimaced. ‘That event – and the damned bill for it – grows bigger by the day. Eugenie is scouring the county for ostrich plumes. Ostrich plumes, I ask you!’ He made a sound of disgust. ‘But you are not interested in such flummery now. Let us hope Miss Paradise is well enough to attend – I was looking forward to meeting her.’

  ‘I think you will approve, Henry.’

  ‘Ah!’ exclaimed Mrs Nash, entering the drawing-room like a ship under full sail. ‘I declare it is an age since you came to Frampton, Sir Giles. Who should Henry approve of?’

  ‘I was referring to Miss Paradise.’

  ‘Oh. Yes, well,’ she said, pursing her lips. ‘She is a provokingly pert young woman to my mind, although one cannot argue her manners and style are acceptable. Why were you speaking of her?’

  ‘I came to inform you she is ill. The doctor has diagnosed scarlet fever.’

  The effect of this statement on Mrs Nash was alarming. She stood completely still, but her eyes widened until they threatened to pop out of her head, her jaw dropped slightly and the lace cap set upon her neat, grey curls began to bobble in an agitated fashion. ‘Gracious! We must act at once! Caroline,’ she cried, ‘Caroline!’

  The squire raised his eyes briefly to the ceiling. ‘Must you shriek, my love?’ he asked. ‘It offends my ears.’

  ‘Indeed I must, Henry. This is shocking news. Caroline!’

  ‘What is it, Mother?’ Caroline entered holding an open book, which she snapped shut when she saw their visitor. ‘So you have decided to visit at last, Giles. I thought you had forgotten us here at Frampton.’

  ‘I could not forget you, Caroline,’ he replied, a queer smile hovering around his mouth.

  ‘Caroline, Miss Paradise has scarlet fever. Oh, I feel my palpitations coming on apace!’ said Mrs Nash, shuddering. She took her hartshorn from the drawer in the nearby bureau and inhaled deeply before adding, ‘We must advise our acquaintances not to go near until the danger is passed. And you, Sir Giles – you must stay away.’

  ‘I was there this morning,’ he said, in a dry voice.

  ‘This morning!’

  ‘Indeed. And last evening. Miss Paradise fainted away at the end of our dinner and I was obliged to help tend to her.’

  ‘Then you most certainly should not be here! Come along, Henry,’ she said peremptorily. ‘Simmons will see you out, Sir Giles; I’m sure you understand. Thank you for advising us, but you would have done better to send a note.’

  ‘Don’t be ridiculous, Eugenie, there is nothing wrong with Giles. Why, he looks as fit as a flea,’ protested the squire.

  But Mrs Nash placed a hand on her husband’s back and thrust him firmly towards the hallway. ‘Please do not argue, Henry,’ she said, in a low imperative voice, ‘you will be better for a glass of claret this instant. Goodbye, Sir Giles.’

  Obliged to retreat, the squire called out as he was propelled inexorably towards the door. ‘Give my regards to the patient, Giles.’

  ‘You were foolish to come here,’ said Caroline severely.

  Gil raised his brows. ‘I do not have the illness.’

  ‘It is impossible to be too careful,’ she argued. ‘I have heard of no cases in the area so how has she been exposed to it?’

  ‘A labourer’s child was ill and Miss Paradise visited the family.’

  ‘Then she is well served for rubbing shoulders with illiterate workers,’ she said, her tone biting. ‘They are most unsuitable company for a lady even when one is carrying out charitable deeds.’

  ‘I expect you would not visit a sick child?’ he retorted.

  ‘Not when there is any danger of illness. And certainly not a labourer’s child: it is beneath me to do so, you must agree.’

  ‘I do not.’

  ‘So, once again you prefer Miss Paradise’s view; an unfortunate habit you must dispense with.’ She gave a trill of laughter. ‘Goodbye, Giles. You will be we
lcomed back once the danger has passed. Miss Paradise will receive some of my embroidery silks along with my wishes for her recovery.’

  She turned to leave but he said darkly, ‘Stay a moment, Caroline. There is something I must discuss with you.’

  ‘Very well, but be quick. I have letters to write.’

  ‘I will not detain you long,’ he replied, curtly. ‘You think my additional visits to Hawkscote unnecessary, I understand.’

  ‘What of it? You should not be embroiling yourself unduly in Hawkscote business.’

  ‘Stay out of my dealings with Miss Paradise.’

  ‘I beg your pardon?’

  His mouth grim, he snapped, ‘I believe you heard what I said. I can offer help in whatever fashion I choose and it is no business of yours.’

  ‘Your affairs are mine also when we are practically betrothed.’

  ‘I shall speak further on that subject very soon – now is not the time because of my uncertain temper and circumstances – but I reiterate what I said a moment ago: cease your interminable interference! I won’t tolerate it.’

  Caroline winced at the anger in his voice. However, his first words indicated he intended to set a wedding date soon so she replied by smiling thinly and saying, ‘You seem a little overwrought, Giles; perhaps you are concerned about developing scarlet fever, given the situation you found yourself in.’

  He threw her a fulminating look. ‘Good day to you, Caroline,’ he muttered through gritted teeth, before striding to the door and slamming it shut behind him.

  CHAPTER NINE

  The incomparable perfume reached Alyssa as she awoke. She blinked, trying to focus on her surroundings and recognized the familiar décor of her bedroom but there was something delightfully different: the musky scent of roses filled the air.

  She breathed deeply in appreciation and swallowed, waiting for the searing agony to follow but to her relief the pain was muted. Recalling the dreadful choking sensation she had endured, Alyssa offered up a silent prayer of thanks but still hesitated until she had tentatively swallowed again and found the discomfort had indeed abated. Turning her head to search for the source of the scent, she was rewarded by a view of sunlight streaming on to a blue and white earthenware jug containing damask, gallica and moss roses, their glorious fragrance released by the warmth.

  She smiled and murmured, ‘Beautiful!’ Her voice, husky and strained, sounded strange to her ears.

  Letty, who had been dozing in the chair on the other side of the bed, whispered apprehensively, ‘How are you feeling?’

  ‘Never better,’ replied Alyssa, with a valiant attempt at a chuckle, ‘except my throat feels like someone has tried to strangle me.’

  ‘Oh, thank God your fever has gone!’

  ‘H-How long have I been feverish?’

  ‘Almost three days.’

  ‘Three days!’

  Letty nodded. ‘It’s Tuesday afternoon and you’ve been very ill.’

  ‘I remember little, except that you were an attentive nurse, Letty.’ Her brow furrowed. ‘I have never felt so ill in all my life – it was terrifying. My last coherent memory is suffering from a headache and feeling faint. What was wrong with me?’

  ‘Scarlet fever, which you almost certainly caught from young Samuel Fletcher.’

  Alyssa’s eyes widened. ‘Then I’ve been fortunate.’ Looking at Letty, she added, ‘It must have been difficult to nurse me, knowing what happened to your parents.’

  ‘The thought did prey on my mind, but you were under the care of an excellent physician.’

  ‘But what of Samuel?’ asked Alyssa, struggling to raise her head. ‘Is he – has he recovered?’

  ‘Samuel is doing well.’

  ‘Thank goodness!’ She sank back on to the bed, exhausted. ‘The fever might have gone, but I’m as weak and helpless as a new born kitten.’

  ‘Tiredness and a poor appetite are to be expected, according to the doctor. You will need to follow his advice carefully.’

  ‘And my nurse will not countenance any argument either,’ said Alyssa with a weak smile.

  ‘None,’ said Letty gaily, moving to shake out Alyssa’s pillow. ‘For once, you must do exactly as you are told and I shall accept nothing less. Neither will Sir Giles.’

  ‘Has he visited while I have been ill?’

  ‘Visited?’ echoed Letty, amused. ‘Why, he has been here constantly, enquiring after your progress and bringing flowers or fruit from his succession houses. I swear he has not slept in three days. He fetched the doctor, wrote to Piers to advise him about your condition and has dealt with Ennis.’ Smoothing out the bed covers, she continued, ‘I cannot speak highly enough of how he dealt with the crisis. He is a man to be relied on and one who commands confidence, but although he tries not to show it, I believe he is almost demented with worry.’

  ‘Oh?’ Alyssa, vaguely recalling Sir Giles’s words before she fainted, immediately decided she must be mistaken: he could not have referred to her as his ‘darling girl’. More likely she had misheard in her growing delirium and when her memories of the dinner were so hazy, it was useless speculate on what might have been said, and inconceivable to bring up the subject with Sir Giles.

  Letty interrupted her thoughts. ‘He brought the flowers from his rose garden at Eastcombe.’

  ‘They are exquisite,’ said Alyssa, running her gaze once more over the bouquet. Sir Giles, it seemed, could be a man of considerate gestures and she was grateful for the concern he had shown as a neighbour. Why, then, did she feel irritable and wanting more? A sudden wave of despondency threatened to swamp her and she turned away, anxious Letty should not see the tears which had unaccountably sprung to her eyes. She said quietly, ‘May I have a drink?’

  ‘Of course! How stupid of me not to think of it sooner.’

  ‘You mentioned Piers. Has he been to Hawkscote?’ asked Alyssa.

  ‘Yes. He offered to speak with the labourers while Sir Giles dealt with Ennis. I thought it kind of Piers. I wondered if he would come here at all because of the potential danger,’ said Letty, pouring out a glass of cordial.

  ‘Piers continues to confound me although he never worried much about illness. I’m grateful for his help, but I’ll be well enough to run the estate again soon.’ Alyssa took the glass from Letty’s outstretched hand and exclaimed, ‘Oh, I have just thought – do I fail to meet the terms if I cannot attend dinner with Sir Giles?’

  ‘As to that, I have spoken to Mr Forde. It is his opinion that if the will does not stipulate what should happen in the event of illness on either side, the dinner engagements can be waived until you’ve recovered. He expects Mr Bartley to confirm this so you may rest easy. Besides,’ said Letty, with an affectionate grin, ‘you can’t entertain Sir Giles now; you’re not exactly looking your best!’

  ‘I don’t doubt it. Pass me my mirror, if you please.’ Letty did as she was bid and Alyssa shuddered as she looked at her reflection. The face staring back bore little resemblance to the one she was used to. The ravages left by the fever were clear to see: her cheeks, which had burnt fiercely a short time ago, were now devoid of colour, dark shadows lurked under heavy eyes and her lips were cracked and dry.

  ‘I look positively haggard, but that is to be expected after three days of fever,’ declared Alyssa ruefully.

  Retrieving the mirror from her loose grasp, Letty administered a comforting hug. ‘How you look now is of no consequence and I was foolish to mention it, even in jest. You will soon be back to health but it will be a week, possibly longer, before you feel ready to venture out of your room.’

  ‘I hardly have strength enough to talk or hold up my head. What a poor creature I am.’ Alyssa yawned and added, ‘I think I need to go back to sleep.’

  ‘Then do so, and concentrate on getting well again.’

  ‘I’ll do as I’m bid, but tell me one thing first, Letty – does Charles know?’

  ‘I wrote to him. I thought he should know, although I don’t think Charles wil
l be an influence for the good in your recovery.’

  ‘Don’t worry, Charles will not venture within fifty miles of Hawkscote – he is a chronic hypochondriac,’ muttered Alyssa drily, before closing her eyes.

  Ten days later, Alyssa felt much improved and she began to chafe at the confines of her room. She appealed to the doctor to allow her downstairs until he eventually relented, observing she must be well enough if she was prepared to argue.

  ‘But only if you do not overtire yourself,’ he added. Shaking his head, he smiled and said, ‘You are very determined, Miss Paradise. Most ladies retreat to their rooms at first sign of indisposition, however slight, and remain there for as long as possible.’

  ‘But they emerge wreathed in shawls and smelling salts to confide every detail gleefully, however hideous, to their friends and profess it far more uncomfortable than anything they could have endured.’

  He laughed. ‘True enough. I have several such patients.’

  ‘I promise to take sensible precautions, Doctor,’ she said, eyes twinkling, ‘I’m aware I’m not fully recovered.’

  Alyssa’s spirits lifted in the pleasant surroundings of the drawing-room. Letty and Mrs Farnell rearranged the furniture, which made Alyssa laugh indulgently at their efforts to ensure her every comfort was provided for.

  Mrs Farnell, finally satisfied, withdrew and Letty asked, ‘Would you like another shawl?’

  ‘No, it’s is delightfully warm. I’ll not behave like an insipid dowager, reclining full length and needing the blinds drawn against the light. The gardens look very fine at this time of year, don’t they?’ she said, leaning forward to improve her view.

  ‘Yes, I explored them over the last week or so.’

  Alyssa raised her brows quizzically. ‘Did you ramble through them alone?’

  ‘Not always.’

  ‘Oh?’ enquired Alyssa, with a smile. ‘Has my cousin been making himself agreeable while I have been indisposed?’

  Letty blushed but tilted her chin defiantly. ‘Yes, and I enjoy his company. We walk in the garden and, since he brought over the mare he mentioned in Dorchester, we occasionally ride out over the estate. Piers has told me about his childhood, his house in Lincolnshire and life in London; he is extremely knowledgeable about the ton and shared amusing anecdotes. I can’t deny I find him an entertaining companion. And, true to his word, he has continued to visit the workers. I understand Draper is still discontented, but no doubt Piers will tell you the details – he takes the trouble to keep my spirits up but does not confide everything to me.’